info@shestepsforwardcoaching.com
Phone
1-757-809-0313
She Steps Forward Coaching Newsletter
Stay up-to-date with the latest news!
Frequently Asked Questions
Have a question for me?
I would love the opportunity to answer it!
Have a question, but don’t see the answer? Let’s set up a call today!
My coaching philosophy centers on a collaborative partnership from start to finish. To ensure we make an informed decision about working together, I discuss pricing and services during our initial call. This approach allows us to determine if we’re a good fit for each other, considering both your needs and my expertise.
Popular questions
Frequently asked questions
-
What is your coaching specialty?My coaching specialty focuses on leadership development and entrepreneurial guidance for individuals in the crucial first three years of their venture. This period is critical for building a solid foundation, whether for a business, ministry, or nonprofit. I emphasize developing strong leadership skills alongside practical business strategies. Current statistics reveal that 45% of new businesses don't survive past their fifth year, and only 50% of nonprofits achieve long-term success. My goal is to significantly improve these odds for my clients. By providing targeted support during these formative years, I aim to ensure your venture not only survives but thrives. I'm deeply invested in your success—because your achievements are a reflection of the effectiveness of our work together. Your success IS my success!
-
How long have you been coaching?My coaching journey has evolved over the years. For a long time, I informally coached and mentored women within church settings, both individually and in small groups. In 2016, recognizing a need that extended beyond the church walls, I transitioned to formal (paid) coaching. This shift focused on assisting women whose dreams required a structured approach to accomplish their goals of building businesses, ministries, and nonprofits. To further support these aspirations, I founded the annual She Steps Forward International Women's Conference. This event brings together women leading in marketplace ministry to share wisdom and advice, providing an additional layer of support for those I coach. This progression has enabled me to guide a diverse range of women in realizing their God-given potential across various sectors.
-
What makes your coaching approach unique?My coaching approach is uniquely tailored to Christian women entrepreneurs, blending spiritual guidance with practical business strategies. What sets it apart is: 1) Faith-Based Foundation: I integrate biblical principles into business practices, helping you align your entrepreneurial journey with your spiritual values. 2) Holistic Development: My approach focuses not just on business growth, but on personal and spiritual growth as well, nurturing you as a whole person. 3) Customized Roadmaps: I create individualized strategies that consider your specific calling, gifts, and marketplace challenges. 4) Community Connection: Through my nonprofit's annual conference and networking opportunities, I provide access to a supportive community of like-minded Christian female entrepreneurs. 5) Dual Expertise: With experience in both ministry and business, I bridge the gap between spiritual calling and marketplace success. 6) Long-Term Vision: I focus on building sustainable ventures that not only succeed financially but also make a lasting impact for God's kingdom. This integrated approach ensures that as you build your business, ministry, or nonprofit, you're also growing in your faith and leadership abilities, creating a legacy that honors your divine purpose.
-
What coaching services do you offer?I offer a comprehensive range of coaching services to meet diverse entrepreneurial needs. 1) Twelve-month One-to-One Coaching Package: Personalized, in-depth guidance tailored to your specific goals and challenges. 2) Online DIY Entrepreneur DREAM Course: A self-paced program for those seeking flexibility in their learning journey. 3) Online Group Masterminds: Collaborative sessions fostering peer learning and networking opportunities. 4) Online Workshops: Focused training on specific topics to enhance your entrepreneurial skills. Each service is designed to provide targeted support at different stages of your entrepreneurial journey, ensuring you have the resources and guidance needed to succeed.
-
What is the difference between mentoring and coaching?Mentoring and coaching, while both valuable, serve different purposes: Mentoring is a more fluid relationship where an experienced individual shares knowledge and insights with someone seeking guidance. This relationship is often long-term and evolves organically, focusing on general professional or personal development. Coaching, on the other hand, is a structured, time-based engagement with specific objectives. As a coach, I work with clients to define clear goals and develop strategies to achieve them within a set timeframe. The focus is on actionable steps and measurable outcomes, often tied to particular aspects of building and growing a business, ministry, or nonprofit. While mentoring provides broad guidance, coaching offers targeted support to help you reach defined milestones in your entrepreneurial journey.
-
Do you have client testimonals?Yes! Please see some of my client testimonials under the Services > Coaching tab!
-
Can I purchase one month or just a few months of coaching services?I don't offer short-term coaching options. Here's why: Consistent guidance and accountability are crucial for achieving lasting success. Industry experience shows that short-term or sporadic coaching rarely produces the sustainable results entrepreneurs need. Building a successful business, ministry, or nonprofit requires time to implement strategies, overcome challenges, and create lasting change. My coaching programs provide comprehensive support throughout the critical stages of your venture's development. This long-term approach allows us to work together to build a strong foundation, develop effective leadership skills, and create sustainable growth strategies. By committing to a longer-term partnership, you ensure you receive the full benefit of the coaching process, maximizing your chances of achieving your goals and creating a thriving venture.
-
Do you offer a guarantee?While I can't guarantee specific outcomes, as results largely depend on the client's commitment to taking meaningful, progressive steps towards growth, I can assure you of several key elements in our coaching relationship. You will have my undivided attention during each interaction, and I'll provide a safe, confidential space for you to fully explore your business, ministry, or nonprofit idea. Additionally, I'm committed to sharing any relevant resources and knowledge I have to support your journey towards success. My goal is to equip you with the tools, guidance, and support needed to maximize your potential. The coaching process is a partnership, and I'm dedicated to bringing my expertise and full effort to that partnership. Your active engagement and implementation of the strategies we develop together will be key to achieving your goals.
-
What payment methods do you accept?I am happy to accept most credit or debit cards, PayPal, Zelle, or ACH payments.
Helping Christian Female Entrepreneurs
Change Their Communities
Elaine Lankford
Chief Empowerment Officer
She Steps Forward Coaching
- info@shestepsfowardcoaching.com
- + 1 757-809-1620
Elaine's Bio
Elaine is a passionate advocate for Christian female entrepreneurs, dedicated to helping them launch and grow successful businesses, ministries, and nonprofits. As the founder of She Steps Forward Coaching and She Steps Forward International, she empowers women to step confidently into their God-sized dreams.
Through She Steps Forward Coaching, Elaine offers targeted strategic planning and individualized support to aspiring female entrepreneurs. As a certified John Maxwell Team member, she brings expertise in speaking, writing, leadership development, and entrepreneurial coaching to her faith-based approach.
Expanding her vision globally, Elaine established She Steps Forward International (SSFI), a nonprofit organization that equips both American and African women to lead impactful ventures. SSFI’s flagship event, the She Steps Forward International Women’s Conference, unites like-minded female entrepreneurs annually – each March in the United States and May in Africa – fostering a global community of inspiration and shared wisdom.
SSFI’s commitment to nurturing new talent is evident in its Seed Money Grant program, which supports rising Christian female entrepreneurs in the U.S. and Africa. The organization also extends its reach by engaging in humanitarian work in Nairobi, Kenya.
Leadership development has been woven throughout Elaine’s personal and professional life. Prior to her current work, Elaine has held many leadership roles both within the church and in her professional life.
Elaine’s diverse background includes over 16 years in clinical nursing, where she held various leadership roles, including Pain Management Coordinator and nurse practitioner. She later transitioned to advisory roles in medical record documentation, coding, and auditing, showcasing her adaptability and commitment to excellence in healthcare.
Within the local church environment, she served for years as a small group leader, co-organized and co-lead missions trip, and ministered on a prayer team.
In 2023, Elaine obtained her Master of Arts in Theology degree from Jakes Divinity School (JDS) in partnership with Vanguard University. She also completed a Women in Leadership certificate program through JDS and received a 2022-2023 Outstanding Student Award. Toward the end of her studies, she was thrilled to be chosen to present at the 52nd Annual Meeting of the Society for Pentecostal Studies. She plans to continue her studies at JDS in the near future and aspires to complete a Doctor of Ministry (DMin) degree focused on Spirit-filled Global Leadership in the African Diaspora.
She self-published her first book, Love Echoed Back, in 2014 and plans to return to writing in the future. Her leadership articles have appeared in the Suffolk News Herald and Inside Business. She has been featured on several podcast shows including HER Talk Show, Love & Beloved, The Ella Ray Show, Be Inspired God’s Way, and Women Awakening.
A Virginia native, Elaine has been married to her husband, Darrell, for over 31 years. They have one son, Nicholas, and a beloved beagle named Apollo.
By leveraging her faith, gifts, and experience, Elaine is fostering a new generation of Christian female leaders ready to make a positive impact in the marketplace and their communities.
Your Success is My Success! ~ Elaine
One Business
Prepared to launch your business? Let's craft a strategic plan that establishes a solid foundation and ensures long-term sustainability.
One Ministry
Sensing a calling to establish a parachurch ministry? Let's clarify your target audience and define your unique offerings.
One Nonprofit
Drawn to nonprofit work? Let's pinpoint the community issue you're passionate about tackling and develop strategies to rally support.
